Image Licensing : No 111 The Great Bear

EDITORS COMMENTS

No. 111 'The Great Bear': A Timeless Symbol of Steam Power and Engineering Innovation This photograph showcases No. 111 'The Great Bear', a historic 4-6-2 Pacific class locomotive, built in 1908, and later rebuilt in 1924 to become a Castle class 4-6-0. The Pacific class locomotive was a significant advancement in railway engineering, characterized by its wheel arrangement and boiler design, which allowed for increased power and efficiency. No. 111, named after the constellation of the Great Bear, was one of the first locomotives to be fitted with a Belpaire firebox, a more efficient design that improved combustion and steam output. Its distinctive appearance, with large driving wheels and a long, slender boiler, made it a popular and iconic sight on the rails. The locomotive's history is a testament to the ingenuity and determination of the engineers and craftsmen who designed and built it. Over the years, it underwent various modifications and improvements, reflecting the evolving technology and changing needs of the railway industry. This photograph captures the essence of a bygone era, when steam power ruled the rails and the roar of a locomotive's engine was a symbol of progress and adventure. No. 111 'The Great Bear' stands as a reminder of the rich heritage of steam railways and the enduring allure of the steam engine.